A Bromsgrove firm has completed landscaping works to what is believed to be Europe’s first joint public and university library.

Whiting Landscape, based in Wildmoor Lane, was commissioned by contractors Galliford Try to construct a distinctive, architecturally designed landscape around Worcester’s latest landmark, The Hive, which opened to the public earlier this month.

Features include a wildflower water meadow, wildlife areas, and attractive leisure and recreational spaces.

Whiting’s specialist team took three months to prepare the ground and plant out the two acre site which was designed by Grant Associates of Bath with contemporary themes of sustainability and technological innovation.

In addition to traditional trees including English Oak, Poplar and Scot’s Pine, Whitings installed 18 Pollarded Willows with girths of 70cm to frame and showcase the landscape, mitigating views of the car park but allowing vistas of the wider landscape.

Wayne Bridges, Whiting Landscape’s operations director said the scheme would highlight seasonal interests and complement the stunning setting of the Malvern Hills and River Severn.

“It was, without doubt one of our most prestigious contracts and we are delighted to have been associated with such an iconic landmark project,” Mr Bridges said.